ROCHDALE supporters are being urged to stay off the pitch after Saturdayés final home game of the season against Oxford for the good of the club and their own enjoyment.

Police chiefs are concerned high spirits may lead to fans running on to the playing area and have increased security levels for the match to guard against a pitch invasion.

Such an invasion would come as a blow to the club.

Fansé behaviour at Spotland this season has been excellent, and as a result policing levels have been reduced in number, saving Dale a considerable amount of money. But Inspector Chris Hill confirmed that, if fans do trespass onto the pitch, policing levels will be stepped up, meaning greater expense for Dale é money which, as Steve Parkin would undoubtedly agree, could be better spent elsewhere.

In addition, Inspector Hill said he would incur exclusion orders on anyone arrested invading the pitch.

éIém hoping the Rochdale supporters maintain what has been an excellent season,é he said. éThe vast majority of fans have been superb, and Iém proud of the fact there have been no major incidents. Iém urging adults to stay off the pitch and to keep youngsters off. Anybody can be arrested for going on to the pitch and offenders can receive a Level Three fine of up to é2,000. I will also place exclusion orders on people arrested for going on to the pitch, banning them from all prescribed matches in the country.

éFor the sake of the club and yourselves, Iém urging Daleés brilliant fans to keep the party confined to the stands.é